Fed Biffer 38 S.& W.Ammo

I came across a box ox 38 special ammo made by International cartridge Co.The box says central fire black powder.They were made in Germany.It was distributed by Fred Biffar and co Chicago.I was wondering if anyone could tell me when they were produced and When did Fred Biffar & Co went out of business and are they safe to fire

At best they work, at worst they are duds... But i would reccoment saving them as collectibles

rcmodel

July 1, 2009, 01:03 PM

FRED BIFFAR COMPANY -- Large Chicago IL Hardware Store

They were in business in the late 1800's, probably up until the great depression.
They were big enough to have their own brand name put on cheaply made shotguns and Saturday Night Special revolvers made by other companies. Apparently ammo too!

I think the box of black powder .38 Specials were most likely loaded in the late 1800's - early 1900's before smokeless powder became widely used, and would no doubt have some collector value.

IMO: Not worth shooting them and get a modern revolver full of black powder & corrosive primer fouling.
It's nasty stuff that will promote rust unless the gun is very throughly stripped & cleaned with hot soap & water, Windex, etc. after shooting.